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4-H Opportunity for All

ID

4H-987NP

Authors as Published

Alyssa W. Walden, State Program Leader-Youth, 4-H Extension Agent, Stafford County; Chad N. Proudfoot, 4-H Specialist, Virginia Tech

For more than 100 years, 4‑H has been the nation’s leading youth organization to welcome young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving youth voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better.

"TALENT IS EVERYWHERE. OPPORTUNITY IS NOT."

As the youth development arm of Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia 4-H works throughout the commonwealth to help all youth learn by doing to help them become the best versions of themselves. 4-H youth are empowered to be upstanding citizens who are actively engaged in their communities and around the world. Virginia 4-H helps youth find their voice to be leaders in their communities and empowers them to make positive change. 

Virginia 4-H believes that diverse perspectives, values, and beliefs help generate better ideas to solve the complex problems of a changing—and increasingly diverse—world. Likewise, we believe that we must create opportunity for all regardless of the individual's background or identity. 

To achieve this, Virginia 4-H will continue to promote opportunities within multiple delivery modes and in the areas of Agriculture, Civic Engagement, Healthy Living, STEM, and beyond while embracing what makes each 4-H member and volunteer unique. We are committed to being intentional in our approach by embracing the essential elements described here as well as other core tenets of positive youth development. 

OUR ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

  1. BELONGING
    Positive relationship with a caring adult. Creating an inclusive environment. Creating a safe environment. 
  2. MASTERY
    Engagement in culturally relevant learning. Opportunity for mastery.
  3. INDEPENDENCE 
    Opportunity to build efficacy and to see oneself as an active participant in the future. Opportunity for self-determination.
  4. GENEROSITY 
    Opportunity to value and practice service for others. Opportunity to take a critical stance on justice.

 (540) 231-6372

Facebook: @Virginia4HStateOffice

Instagram: @Virginia4H

 https://ext.vt.edu/4h-youth.html

Virginia Cooperative Extension materials are available for public use, reprint, or citation without further permission, provided the use includes credit to the author and to Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law

Publication Date

May 11, 2022

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